How to Make Queen Size Bunkie Board

What size is a bunkie board?

Bunkie boards come in different sizes and these could include twin, twin XL, full, queen and king size.

In order to make a queen size bunkie board, we will use the measurements indicated in the table above.

We’re going to talk about how to make a bunkie board. We’ll use the dimensions of a queen-size Bunkie board in particular. The DIY movement extends to the construction of these bunkers as well.

Bunkie Board Materials and Their Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s look at the different styles of bunkie board materials and their benefits and drawbacks.

1. Plywood: If you’re buying a cheap mattress support board, chances are it’ll be made of plywood. This material can provide adequate support while retaining some bounce, depending on the thickness of the slats. As compared to other materials, plywood has a lower weight capacity and longevity, so don’t expect long-term support.
2. Pine: For a wooden bunkie board, this is a dependable material type. A heavy mattress and a couple of average-weight sleepers can be supported by pine slats. It is, however, prone to squeaking.
3. Steel: Steel can be your best bet if you’re looking for a high-quality bunkie board. Polished steel slats are resistant to corrosion and moisture, and can comfortably support the weight of a wide sleeper for several years. You can, however, double-check the gaps between the slats. They’re usually a little wider than wooden ones, but they won’t fit all kinds of mattresses.
4. Metal alloys: A variety of metal alloys can be used to make a cost-effective and long-lasting bunkie board. It’s worth remembering that the metals used in the manufacturing process have a big effect on the final product’s consistency and durability.

Can you make your own bunkie board?

You can make your own Bunkie board, of course. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own. A Bunkie board made at home will normally last as long as one purchased in a shop.

How to make your own Queen size bunkie bed

You can create a basic DIY bunkie board by following this step-by-step guide. The first through sixth steps are required, but the seventh and final step is optional.

You will need the following items: A heavy-duty staple gun, one plywood sheet, medium-grit sandpaper, quilted upholstery fabric, upholstery spray adhesive, and one plywood sheet

Power tools, specifically a circular saw and a sander, are optional.

Step 1: Measure the dimensions of your bed base.

To do this properly, you’ll need to take your mattress out of your bed. The inside length and width of the bed surface should be measured. That’s it! A tape measure, rather than a ruler, may be preferable because it is more precise.

You’ll need to deduct an inch or two from each measurement once you’ve got them. You don’t want to end up with split plywood flush with the bed frame’s edges.

You’ll need some room for the fabric or padding you’ll be adding later. You can pad the bunkie board further if you have more clearance. It’s entirely up to you, as long as the plywood piece’s surface area completely covers the slats.

Step 2. Cut the Plywood to Size

There are regular and oversize cuts available, as well as a variety of thicknesses. The size of the plywood sheet will be determined by the dimensions of your bed.

Assume you’re constructing a queen bunkie board: A queen-size mattress measures 60 inches by 80 inches, or five feet by seven feet. As a result, you can use a 5 fee x 8 feet oversized sheet of plywood. Trim it down to about 58 1/2 inches by 78 1/2 inches, bearing in mind the clearance you’ll need.

Thinner plywood can be easier to cut, so get the 3/4-inch-thick sheets if you’re doing it yourself with a circular saw.

If you choose to get it cut at the store (which most major chains do, often for a fee), choose a thicker board, such as 1 1/8 or 1 1/4 inches.

Owing to the disparity between real and nominal plywood thickness, the latter calculation may be a little sloppy. Don’t be concerned! This is due to the sanding process that plywood sheets go through during production.

Step 3: Sand Down the Board’s Edges

Sand any roughness or defects you find on the cut edges with the sandpaper. A sander can speed up the operation if you have access to power tools.

Step 4. Cut the Fabric to Size

Quilted upholstery fabric is normally purchased by the yard and cut to order. Again, the initial measurements are largely determined by the size of your room. In general, you’ll want to have enough to cover twice or three times the size of your board.

Spread the fabric upside down on a broad, uncluttered surface to prepare it. If you don’t have a large enough table, you can do this on the floor.

Now cut the pieces to the following dimensions: One with the same dimensions as the board you just sanded, and one or two with an extra six inches or more all over.

Now we’ll return to the queen bunkie board. You’ll get one piece of upholstery fabric that measures 58 1/2 inches by 78 1/2 inches if you follow the directions above. /The other two should be a minimum of 64 1/2 inches by 84 12 inches inches in size. If you like, you can round those half-inch increments up.

Step 5: Stick Two Pieces of Fabric to the Board

If you can’t find upholstery spray adhesive, a multipurpose spray will suffice.

Clean one side of the plywood as well as the smaller fabric section. Before you spray the adhesive on the sheet, make sure it’s clean and free of dirt, fibers, or sawdust. Place the fabric on top of the plywood, attempting to center it as much as possible. Firmly smooth it out. The bottom of your bunkie board is now full.

Reverse the procedure for one of the larger pieces of fabric and the other side of the board. You should have about six inches of excess fabric sticking out all over with the fabric correctly adhered on both sides of the board.

Step 6: Fold the excess Fabric

Fold the excess fabric from the top so it’s flat with the board with the board bottom side up. You can gently pull the material taut to ensure that it is taut, but this isn’t required with the adhesive.

Repeat on both sides of the bunkie board, stapling the folded fabric in place. Perfect upholstery corners aren’t needed, but they will improve the appearance of the bunkie board.

It’s over! You’ve got your own bunkie board now.

But, do you think you need to add a little more padding? Are you bothered by the exposed staples? If you replied yes to at least one of these questions, you should probably proceed to the next level as well.

Step 7: Staple in more Quilted Upholstery Fabric

Can you recall the third piece of fabric? Use the fabric and do this extra phase if you want your bunkie board to have an even more polished look or a more padded feel.

Keep the bottom side of the bunkie board up. Place the third piece of fabric on top of the second. Fold the fabric into a square, making sure that all of the excess edges are folded into and beneath each other. This rectangle should be placed in the center, small enough to display the board’s edges but wide enough to cover all of the staples you placed in the previous step.

This rectangle’s folded edges should be as straight as possible. If you really want it to look nice, measure the same margins all the way around the third piece of cloth, pencil them in, then fold and crease at the marks.

Staple in a symmetrical pattern. At the very least, secure all four corners, then add more if the fabric requires it.

Cost of queen size Bunkie board

A queen-size bunkie board made of steel will set you back about $60. Heavy-duty queen bunkie boards are more costly, costing about $100 on average.

How long do Bunkie boards last?

A bunkie board will usually last 2 to 5 years. Bunkie boards made of steel and solid wood will last up to ten years longer than bunkie boards made of other materials due to their greater weight-bearing ability and resistance to change.

The way a bunkie board is made, the material it is made of, and how it is used all affect how long it lasts. How long, on the other hand, do bunkie boards last?

The majority of manufacturers have 3-year warranties. That is a really good time span. Some companies offer 10-day warranties. Such short warranties can be avoided.

Overall, the length of manufacturer’s warranties varies by brand, and it’s important to remember that each warranty has its own set of terms and conditions. When purchasing a bunkie board, it is important to read the warranty rules and regulations carefully since you can only file a warranty claim if you have followed the rules.

Queen size bunkie board vs queen size box spring

So you’re thinking to yourself, “Bunkie boards sound nice, but is there something better?” “How about a box spring?”

What you’re looking for in a bed will determine the answer to this question. Bunk beds are a great way to save space. Bunkie boards are ideal for base or foundation beds because they add strength to your mattress without requiring additional height. Bunkie boards are also suitable for use with children’s beds or bunk beds.

What is Better than a Bunkie Board?

When it comes to vinyl mattresses, memory foam mattresses, or rubber mattresses, bunkie boards are perfect. If your bed already has slats, it will seem pointless to invest in a bunkie board; however, slats do not always provide adequate support for a mattress.

A bunkie board can fit perfectly on the slats of the bed and provide enough support for a foam mattress. Box springs were created especially for spring mattresses to absorb the pressure of your body on the springs and provide additional support.

Box springs are no longer the safest choice with the rise of foam mattresses (including memory foam). Bunkie boards are a foam mattress alternative to box springs that are designed to withstand the additional weight of a foam mattress. Bunkie boards are also less expensive than box springs, which could be an attractive option for those trying to save money.

The type of mattress you choose to use will decide whether you need a bunkie board or a box spring. Do you prefer a conventional spring mattress or do you prefer the way your foam mattress wraps around your body?

Despite their resemblance to box springs, they provide a distinct feel and look to your bed. It helps to fully comprehend what a bunkie board is and how it functions as a bed’s base when deciding which is better for you (box spring or bunkie board).

Can Bunkie board replace box spring?

A bunkie board is a tenacious fabric-covered flat wood sheet or slatted construction. It can be used in place of a conventional box spring and has a low profile, making it ideal for bunk and low-profile beds.

Plywood, on the other hand, is a flat wooden sheet consisting of thin layers of veneer fused together. You’ll have the easiest DIY bed base ever if you cut it to the size of your mattress.

Can these two styles of mattress supports, however, be used interchangeably?

Let’s take a look at my comprehensive bunkie board vs plywood comparison right below!

Are Bunkie Boards More Cost-Effective Than Box Springs?

A bunkie frame, as previously said, is a flat and thin mattress support that is often used in place of a box spring. (To learn more about the differences between a bunkie board and a box spring, click on the link to Casper’s article.)

The cost difference between bunkie boards and box springs is discussed in this section. If one of these items appeals to you more than the others, you can purchase the one that best meets your needs.

To determine which product is the most cost-effective, several factors must be considered, several of which are discussed further below.

Quality and Price

When deciding between a bunkie board and a box spring, the price and quality are the most important factors to consider. Bunkie boards are usually 2-3 times less expensive than box springs, so they can appear to be the better choice if you’re looking for the cheapest option.

But, if you choose the cheapest alternative, are you making the right decision?

To address this issue, we must consider a number of long-term factors that influence a product’s cost-effectiveness.

Even if the bunkie board is less costly than the box spring, the content, quality, and longevity of the product should be considered. Finally, you take into account the warranty to determine which alternative is the most cost-effective. Here’s an illustration of a warranty.

Take a look at the following two items:

• Bunkie board with a 5-year warranty – $90
• Box spring with a ten-year warranty – $100

Obviously, paying $90 for the bunkie board would save you money up front. The only issue is that it is only likely to last 5 years. On the other hand, for an extra $40, you can get a box spring that will last at least ten years. In this case, purchasing a $130 box spring would be more cost-effective. For a more in-depth analysis, see our article on how long bunkie boards last, and see our bunkie board shopping guide for our top picks.

Even though bunkie boards and box springs serve the same function, they have some distinct characteristics. As a result, cost-effectiveness may not be the only consideration when looking for mattress help. Instead, figure out what kind of assistance you need and then find the product that best meets your needs.

Portability

When deciding between bunkie boards and box springs, portability is another important aspect to consider.

It’s simple to move a bunkie board that’s thin and light. Moving a heavy, bulky box spring, on the other hand, is very difficult. If you’re planning to relocate, portability and comfort can be more critical than the cost of the product itself.

Additionally, if you ever decide to relocate, you can need the services of a transportation company to transport your box spring from one location to another. This adds to the expense of the commodity, making it less cost-effective.

Overall, the cost-effectiveness of any product should be measured by looking at particular examples as well as an individual’s preferences. 

Given that we’ve already addressed what a bunkie board is, some background information on plywood is essential.

Plywood is a form of wood that is made by layering and gluing thin wood veneers together. Plywood is a high-quality, high-strength material that is widely used to make indoor furniture and decorations. Since moisture has a direct impact on the product’s consistency, it’s not recommended for outdoor usage.

DIYing a bunkie board out of plywood can be a more cost-effective alternative than buying a standard bunkie board since plywood is relatively inexpensive. However, the strength and durability of a DIY product against a manufactured product should be considered.

Since plywood is not as durable as other bunkie boards, the DIY bunkie board will need to be replaced earlier than a normal bunkie board. As a result, the low cost of plywood can not always guarantee the final product’s consistency or cost-effectiveness.

Squeaky queen size bunkie board

Bunkie boards (not just queen size) are available for all bed types, including daybeds, platform beds, and trundle beds. Bunkie boards have also assistance for the whole mattress. They were made out of plywood that was then wrapped in a cloth sheet.

Bunkie boards made of metal or wood planks are now available, along with metal or wood bed frames. They’re simple to put together, but if not secured properly during installation, they can make squeaky noises. The sound comes from the tension between the bunkie board and the bed elements or the mattress, not from the bunkie board itself.

Do bunkie boards squeak?

Bunkie boards that are broken squeak. They can trigger a lot of squeaking if they aren’t properly installed. The measures for repairing a squeaky queen size bunkie board are as follows.

Follow these steps to repair a squeaky bunkie board:

1. Find out what’s behind the squeaky noise.
2. Both bolts and screws should be tightened and lubricated.
3. The region where there is friction should be padded.
4. Wrap a quilted upholstery fabric around the bunkie board.

Step 1: Figure out the source the squeaky noise.

Begin by taking out the bedding. The mattress should then be removed from the bed base and placed on the floor. Sit on the mattress and walk around to see if it’s the cause of the irritating noise. If you have an innerspring mattress, this is more likely. Innerspring mattresses that are subjected to a lot of pressure will squeak as the springs rub against each other. If your mattress isn’t an innerspring model with coils and springs, however, something else is most likely to blame.

As a result, pass on to the bunkie board. Bunkie boards are normally constructed with a full panel surface and only have split slats on rare occasions. Apply pressure to the bunkie board in various places and shake it. If the plank makes a noise, it is not properly connected to the bed frame. In reality, repeated usage and pressure on the board, as well as temperature changes, cause the bolts and nuts to loosen naturally. Squeaky bunkie board noise can be reduced by tightening and lubricating all connectors (see step 2).

Alternatively, if your bunkie board is made of wood, temperature changes can cause the wood to expand and contract, resulting in rubbing and squeaking. The squeaking may also be caused by your bunkie board not exactly matching the exact dimensions of the bed base. To help muffle the sound, place some padding between the mattress and the board or in other squeaky areas (see step 3) or cover the board in a quilted upholstery fabric (see step 4)

It’s possible that the source of the squeak is a squeaky bed frame rather than a squeaky bunkie board. Shake the bed frame and disassemble the bunkie board. If the noise continues, you’ll need to tighten all of the bolts and lubricate the bed frame’s components to solve the issue. If the sound persists, look for the bed’s legs or wheels scraping against the ground.

Step 2: Tighten and lubricate all of the Bunkie Board’s bolts and screws

Examine the bunkie board’s connection to the bed frame and the materials that keep it together. Using a wrench or a screwdriver, tighten all of the bolts or screws. You may want to install washers between the bolts and the bed frame to strengthen the bed and reduce squeaking.

Future squeaks can be avoided by lubricating the joints. If your bunkie board and bed frame are made of metal, spray the metal joints with WD40 (or any other cooking oil). If you have a wooden bunkie board or frame, however, do not use oil because it will create a bad odor and a lot of dust. Instead of grease, wax should be used to lubricate the wooden surface in this situation. Warm a paraffin brick or a candle and rub it on the squeaky spot.

Step 3: Protect the friction-prone area with a Pad

If there is room between the edges of the bunkie board and the bed frame, fill the gaps with old fabric (for example, old clothes or socks) to prevent friction between the boards and the bed frame. Furthermore, if your bunkie board is made of slats with a width of more than two inches between them, the slats will dig into the mattress, causing a squeaky sound. Cover the holes with cork in that situation. Cut a cork roll into sheets and use the sheets to fill in the gaps. This will serve to muffle the noise.

You may also use foam-padded tape to muffle the noise from the steel frames, or non-slip tape to keep the mattress from slipping and sliding around on the floor. Check out the Zinus Gulzar and Zinus Deepak bunkie boards for noise-free bunkie boards with foam-padded tape (not suitabe for memory foam or latex mattresses).

Step 4: Wrap the Bunkie board with fabric (quilted upholstery)

Bunkie boards can produce a creaky sound, as previously stated. The sound can be muffled by covering the board with a quilted upholstery fabric cover. To do so, remove two bits of fabric from the fabric (one piece for each side of the bunkie board). On the top piece, leave a few extra inches to fold over the sides and corners. The board’s bottom piece should be the same size as the bottom piece. Spray fabric adhesive on the bottom side of the bunkie board, then spread and glue the fabric around the wall. Turn the board over and apply another coat of fabric adhesive to the surface before gluing the oversized piece of fabric. Fold the extra inches inward on either side of the bunkie board’s bottom side and staple them in place.

Can Bunkie boards replace box springs?

Box Springs are less portable than Bunkie Boards.

Bunkie boards, as previously said, are constructed in such a way that they do not substantially increase the height of the bed. Depending on the form of bunkie board, they are just 1-3 inches wide. Standard box springs, on the other hand, are very large, measuring around 9 inches in height.

Bunkie boards often weigh about 30 pounds on average, while a normal box spring weighs anywhere from 60 to 105 pounds. Bunkie boards are simple to transport because they are lightweight.

Bunkie boards are more versatile than box springs when it comes to mattress types.

When mattresses were much smaller, box springs were invented to withstand shock. Many mattresses nowadays are thick enough to eliminate the need for a box spring. Older, two-sided mattresses are the only ones that require a box spring.

Bunkie boards are ideal for all other forms of mattresses, but memory foam and latex mattresses benefit the most. They provide strong and stable support for soft mattresses, allowing them to maintain their shape and consistency over time.

Bunkie Boards are a less expensive alternative to box springs.

The budget is one of the most important factors to consider when making decisions. As a result, the price disparities between bunkie boards and box springs must be considered.

Bunkie boards are less expensive than conventional bulky box springs, despite being more modern and convenient. This helps you to save money and put it towards something more important, like a comfortable, high-quality mattress.